We first heard about BBM Protected, a more secure version of BlackBerry’s messenger, in February earlier this year. Now CrackBerry points us to a set of videos that show how this messaging service is set to work.

BBM Protected or eBBM as it is also known will use an additional layer of encryption to protect the messages. It will encrypt each message sent or received with a unique key and the receiver will need to have eBBM on his device to receive the message. So if a hacker was to somehow get access to a key, he or she will only be able to access that one message.

BBM Protected will first arrive on devices running on BBOS 6 and above, with a release on iOS and Android slated for later this year.

Check out the demo videos embedded below.

]]>ArticleWe first heard about BBM Protected, a more secure version of BlackBerry’s messenger, in February earlier this year. Now CrackBerry points us to a set of videos that show how this messaging service is set to work.
BBM Protected or eBBM as it is also known will use an additional layer of encryption to protect the messages. It will encrypt each message sent or received with a unique key and the receiver will need to have eBBM on his device to receive the message. So if a hacker was to somehow get access to a key, he or she will only be able to access that one message.
BBM Protected will first arrive on devices running on BBOS 6 and above, with a release on iOS and Android slated for later this year.
Check out the demo videos embedded below.
]]>http://www.bgr.in/news/heartbleed-bug-aftermath-bbm-for-ios-and-android-to-get-security-updates/
Mon, 14 Apr 2014 13:19:44 +0000Harshita Rastogihttp://www.bgr.in/?p=305352

In order to patch security threats caused by the OpenSSL flaw Heartbleed bug, BlackBerry will be rolling out security updates for its services and BBM for iOS and Android, Reuters reports.

Discovered this month, Heartbleed is a bug which is found in the OpenSSL protocol, using which hackers can steal large amounts of data without leaving a mark to trace them later. The bug has been considered as a threat to the technology used in data centers as well as on mobile devices. Recently, companies including Google, Facebook, YouTube, Yahoo and Pinterest too have released updates to plug the bug.

Now BlackBerry too is working on updating its services like Secure Work Space corporate email and BBM for Android and iOS to fix any issues or fill up holes left for Heartbleed to attack its services, Scott Totzke, BlackBerry senior vice president has told the newswire.

Totzke has mentioned that though most of the BlackBerry services do not work on OpenSSL software, it still needs to release a security patch for Secure Work Space and BBM messaging service, which are vulnerable to attacks by hackers, especially when devices running these apps are connected through Wi-Fi or carrier networks.

The level of risk on BlackBerry services is extremely small considering that BlackBerry’s security technology is difficult to crack and is relatively safe from such attacks, Totzke added.

]]>Article
In order to patch security threats caused by the OpenSSL flaw Heartbleed bug, BlackBerry will be rolling out security updates for its services and BBM for iOS and Android, Reutersreports.
Discovered this month, Heartbleed is a bug which is found in the OpenSSL protocol, using which hackers can steal large amounts of data without leaving a mark to trace them later. The bug has been considered as a threat to the technology used in data centers as well as on mobile devices. Recently, companies including Google, Facebook, YouTube, Yahoo and Pinterest too have released updates to plug the bug.
Now BlackBerry too is working on updating its services like Secure Work Space corporate email and BBM for Android and iOS to fix any issues or fill up holes left for Heartbleed to attack its services, Scott Totzke, BlackBerry senior vice president has told the newswire.
Totzke has mentioned that though most of the BlackBerry services do not work on OpenSSL software, it still needs to release a security patch for Secure Work Space and BBM messaging service, which are vulnerable to attacks by hackers, especially when devices running these apps are connected through Wi-Fi or carrier networks.
The level of risk on BlackBerry services is extremely small considering that BlackBerry's security technology is difficult to crack and is relatively safe from such attacks, Totzke added.]]>http://www.bgr.in/news/bbm-update-brings-stickers-group-photo-and-heavy-file-sharing-support-hr414/
Wed, 02 Apr 2014 10:16:25 +0000Harshita Rastogihttp://www.bgr.in/?p=303884

In order to compete against other messenger apps, BlackBerry has updated its BBM app with new features which include stickers in chats, and group photo sharing feature among others. The update is available across Android, BlackBerry and iOS platforms.

BlackBerry has introduced animated stickers in its BBM shop in the BBM, and is offering free as well as paid sticker packs in this store. A user can simply download these stickers to use them in chats to make it more interactive. Some of these stickers are based around character like CosCat, Gilbert’s Tales, Bubble Bot, and Shaun the Sheep, and even WWE. The paid stickers will be available for $1.99 (approximately Rs 120), and will be billed through the device’s app store.

Besides stickers, BlackBerry has also added multi-person photo sharing feature, as well as support for sending larger files including photos, videos and presentations through the chats itself. A user can send a file sized up to 16MB, unlike 6MB earlier.

]]>Article
In order to compete against other messenger apps, BlackBerry has updated its BBM app with new features which include stickers in chats, and group photo sharing feature among others. The update is available across Android, BlackBerry and iOS platforms.
BlackBerry has introduced animated stickers in its BBM shop in the BBM, and is offering free as well as paid sticker packs in this store. A user can simply download these stickers to use them in chats to make it more interactive. Some of these stickers are based around character like CosCat, Gilbert’s Tales, Bubble Bot, and Shaun the Sheep, and even WWE. The paid stickers will be available for $1.99 (approximately Rs 120), and will be billed through the device’s app store.
Besides stickers, BlackBerry has also added multi-person photo sharing feature, as well as support for sending larger files including photos, videos and presentations through the chats itself. A user can send a file sized up to 16MB, unlike 6MB earlier.
BBM has 85 million monthly active users, which is far less from the likes of WhatsApp, Line and WeChat, all of which claim a few hundred million monthly active users. BlackBerry CEO John Chen also plans to launch BBM on desktops as a part of his strategy to revive the company.]]>http://www.bgr.in/news/when-whatsapp-bbm-foxed-poll-officials-hr314/
Mon, 24 Mar 2014 05:21:51 +0000Harshita Rastogi | IANShttp://www.bgr.in/?p=302465

How does one prevent hate speeches and inflammatory videos from being shared through applications like WhatsApp and on BlackBerry Messenger (BBM)? Well, that’s what has stumped poll officials.

Having pronounced a strict code of conduct on use and misuse of social media during the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission (EC) is now faced with an unprecedented situation. This, officials say, is because the poll panel has not found ways to stop and prevent hate speeches, promotional campaigns or inflammatory videos from finding its way into public discourse through applications like WhatsApp and on BBM.

Senior poll panel officials confirmed the threat this poses to peaceful conduct and level playing field to all political players. They say they are in talks with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and other security agencies to “figure out on what can be done best and swiftly”.

“This is a situation we have at hand and we are trying to deal with it,” confided a senior election commission official. He, however, added that the commission is working to find a solution.

For now, the police in Uttar Pradesh, has found a new way.

Deputy inspector general of police (public grievances), Satish Ganesh, says people found in possession of such clips would be hauled up and booked under various sections of the Indian penal Code (IPC).

The holder of such inflammatory clips, jokes, messages, campaigns on these modules may invite serious charges as holding them will be tantamount to disruption of public peace and harmony, Ganesh told IANS.

He added they will be dividing the cases in which such complaints are received in two categories. The first category is one whose mobile phones carry such video clips and the second category is one who forwards it to others.

Both acts are punishable and people will be booked for them, an official added. The decision of the state police has the endorsement of the poll panel, which says its mandate is to “ensure peaceful elections” and “anything that contributes to this is a welcome step”.

A separate cell has also been formed to keep a tab on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, and tech savvy officials have been asked to keep vigil on the material being posted on walls “across the board”.

The cell will keep an eye on the FB accounts and Twitter handles of political leaders and candidates of all parties. EC officials say this has been done to ensure that no promotional campaigns without clearance from them finds its way into the virtual world.

“EC guidelines have to be adhered to, and we will do all that is needed for the same,” said Umesh Sinha, chief electoral officer (CEO) of Uttar Pradesh.

As the poll panel and the security agencies sharpen their knives, the users will be haunted by the spectre of being booked for something so common – forwarding messages and clips!

]]>ArticleHow does one prevent hate speeches and inflammatory videos from being shared through applications like WhatsApp and on BlackBerry Messenger (BBM)? Well, that's what has stumped poll officials.
Having pronounced a strict code of conduct on use and misuse of social media during the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission (EC) is now faced with an unprecedented situation. This, officials say, is because the poll panel has not found ways to stop and prevent hate speeches, promotional campaigns or inflammatory videos from finding its way into public discourse through applications like WhatsApp and on BBM.
Senior poll panel officials confirmed the threat this poses to peaceful conduct and level playing field to all political players. They say they are in talks with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and other security agencies to "figure out on what can be done best and swiftly".
"This is a situation we have at hand and we are trying to deal with it," confided a senior election commission official. He, however, added that the commission is working to find a solution.
For now, the police in Uttar Pradesh, has found a new way.
Deputy inspector general of police (public grievances), Satish Ganesh, says people found in possession of such clips would be hauled up and booked under various sections of the Indian penal Code (IPC).
The holder of such inflammatory clips, jokes, messages, campaigns on these modules may invite serious charges as holding them will be tantamount to disruption of public peace and harmony, Ganesh told IANS.
He added they will be dividing the cases in which such complaints are received in two categories. The first category is one whose mobile phones carry such video clips and the second category is one who forwards it to others.
Both acts are punishable and people will be booked for them, an official added. The decision of the state police has the endorsement of the poll panel, which says its mandate is to "ensure peaceful elections" and "anything that contributes to this is a welcome step".
A separate cell has also been formed to keep a tab on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, and tech savvy officials have been asked to keep vigil on the material being posted on walls "across the board".
The cell will keep an eye on the FB accounts and Twitter handles of political leaders and candidates of all parties. EC officials say this has been done to ensure that no promotional campaigns without clearance from them finds its way into the virtual world.
"EC guidelines have to be adhered to, and we will do all that is needed for the same," said Umesh Sinha, chief electoral officer (CEO) of Uttar Pradesh.
As the poll panel and the security agencies sharpen their knives, the users will be haunted by the spectre of being booked for something so common - forwarding messages and clips!]]>http://www.bgr.in/news/bbm-ads-roll-out-ss314/
Wed, 05 Mar 2014 06:47:44 +0000Sambit Satpathy | Zach Epsteinhttp://www.bgr.in/?p=300091

No, you’re not going to see advertisements pop up in the middle of your BBM chats… but BlackBerry just delivered on new CEO John Chen’s promise to adjust its BBM strategy to include actually monetizing the product. Now that BBM has dozens of messaging rivals and is no longer a draw that can attract new business and keep current customers locked in, BlackBerry is tasked with finding ways to turn BBM into a moneymaker. The first step, as we reported recently, is to toss in some advertisements.

Before he abruptly left the company last month, as BGR exclusively reported, BBM boss Andrew Bocking confirmed that BlackBerry planned to inject ads into its popular BBM messaging app. BlackBerry ran a blog post on Tuesday to explain exactly how ads will work in BBM.

So, what kind of ads is BlackBerry testing, exactly?

As we stated, there will not be annoying ads posted in-line in BBM chats. Instead, the company is currently testing two types of ads, one that will see “sponsored invites” appear in BBM’s invites section, and a second that will be presented as “sponsored channel posts” displayed in the updates section of BBM.

BlackBerry has not stated when it expects to begin rolling ads out in public versions of BBM for BlackBerry devices, the iPhone or Android.

You can read all about the ads on BlackBerry’s blog here.

]]>ArticleNo, you’re not going to see advertisements pop up in the middle of your BBM chats… but BlackBerry just delivered on new CEO John Chen’s promise to adjust its BBM strategy to include actually monetizing the product. Now that BBM has dozens of messaging rivals and is no longer a draw that can attract new business and keep current customers locked in, BlackBerry is tasked with finding ways to turn BBM into a moneymaker. The first step, as we reported recently, is to toss in some advertisements.
Before he abruptly left the company last month, as BGR exclusively reported, BBM boss Andrew Bocking confirmed that BlackBerry planned to inject ads into its popular BBM messaging app. BlackBerry ran a blog post on Tuesday to explain exactly how ads will work in BBM.
So, what kind of ads is BlackBerry testing, exactly?
As we stated, there will not be annoying ads posted in-line in BBM chats. Instead, the company is currently testing two types of ads, one that will see “sponsored invites” appear in BBM’s invites section, and a second that will be presented as “sponsored channel posts” displayed in the updates section of BBM.
BlackBerry has not stated when it expects to begin rolling ads out in public versions of BBM for BlackBerry devices, the iPhone or Android.
You can read all about the ads on BlackBerry’s blog here.]]>http://www.bgr.in/news/blackberry-to-launch-bbm-protected-js214/
Wed, 26 Feb 2014 06:21:02 +0000Paranjay Dutt | Brad Reedhttp://www.bgr.in/?p=299219

WhatsApp has shown that having a hugely popular mobile messaging app can be very lucrative and now BlackBerry is looking to cash in on its own widely used cross-platform BlackBerry Messenger service. We already know that BlackBerry is planning to incorporate ads and in-app purchases into BBM but the company on Tuesday unveiled a new version of BBM that could make the mobile messenger into even more of a cash cow.

BlackBerry says that its new BBM Protected, a new version of BBM designed specifically with regulated industries in mind, will be available starting this summer for corporate users who value security above all else. The new service will have a monthly subscription fee, which means that questions about how it will generate revenue are already moot.

BlackBerry says that BBM Protected “will provide an unrivalled level of trust in enterprise messaging with end-to-end encryption of messages that uses symmetric encryption keys for BBM messages and best-in-class technology for public-private signing and encryption key pairs.” Best of all, BBM Protected easily integrates with standard BBM which means that you’ll be able to use it to message all BBM users without switching to a separate app.

Separately, BlackBerry enterprise unit president John Sims tells Re/code that BlackBerry is working on a way to use BBM as a way to help customers in emerging markets transfer money to one another.

Anyway you slice it, then, it looks like BlackBerry is being very creative when it comes to figuring out ways to make money from BBM. BlackBerry’s full press release announcing BBM Protected follows below.

Mobile World Congress 2014, Barcelona – BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ: BBRY; TSX: BB), a global leader in mobile communications, today announced the eBBM™ Suite, a new family of products and services that work with BlackBerry® smartphones and the BlackBerry enterprise solution, BES and BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10, to provide enterprise-class mobile messaging that brings together the core strengths of BBM with features and capabilities aimed at enterprises.

BBM Protected will be the first solution offered in the new eBBM Suite, bringing regulated industries the most secure and reliable real-time mobile messaging in the industry. BBM Protected will provide an unrivalled level of trust in enterprise messaging with end-to-end encryption of messages that uses symmetric encryption keys for BBM messages and best-in-class technology for public-private signing and encryption key pairs.

Employees will be able to use a single well-known, well-loved app to connect with internal colleagues under this regulated level of enhanced security, while remaining free to message BBM contacts outside the organization simply and easily with the privacy, control and security that is already inherent in BBM. For IT administrators and infrastructure managers, BBM Protected will work across BlackBerry 10 and BlackBerry® OS smartphones in regulated mode with no OS upgrades required.

BlackBerry’s end-to-end security model is built on a foundation of secure hardware interacting with secure software. Security is reinforced at every level of the device from CPU to boot ROM, to OS and file system, and applications. The root of trust that BlackBerry builds for its customers remains unbroken throughout the chain, and is unlike other security models that rely on the interaction of components from multiple vendors.

“BBM has always been an important tool for business users who want real-time messaging that is reliable, trusted and puts control of contacts and personal information in users’ hands,” said John Sims, President, Global Enterprise Solutions at BlackBerry. “With the introduction of the eBBM Suite and BBM Protected, we will provide regulated industries and security-conscious organizations with a powerful and best in class instant messaging solution.”

BlackBerry remains committed to providing end-to-end solutions that are secure, reliable and benefit the productivity and collaboration of enterprise customers. “Regulated industries need an option for mobile messaging that maintains compliance, but still gives employees the freedom to be productive with peers outside of the organization. BBM running on BlackBerry smartphones in a BES environment is unrivalled in meeting this need,” said John Sims.

BBM continues to be a top choice for business users who turn to mobile messaging to enhance their productivity and collaboration through BBM Voice calling, one-to-one chats, multi-person chats, or BBM Groups, which offers groups of up to 50 people the ability to chat, share calendars, lists and images. BlackBerry users can use BBM for video calls, to share screens and to create private BBM Channels for one-to-many collaboration and sharing.

Pricing and Availability

BBM Protected as part of the eBBM Suite is expected to launch this summer and will be available to enterprise customers through a monthly per-user fee.

]]>ArticleWhatsApp has shown that having a hugely popular mobile messaging app can be very lucrative and now BlackBerry is looking to cash in on its own widely used cross-platform BlackBerry Messenger service. We already know that BlackBerry is planning to incorporate ads and in-app purchases into BBM but the company on Tuesday unveiled a new version of BBM that could make the mobile messenger into even more of a cash cow.
BlackBerry says that its new BBM Protected, a new version of BBM designed specifically with regulated industries in mind, will be available starting this summer for corporate users who value security above all else. The new service will have a monthly subscription fee, which means that questions about how it will generate revenue are already moot.
BlackBerry says that BBM Protected “will provide an unrivalled level of trust in enterprise messaging with end-to-end encryption of messages that uses symmetric encryption keys for BBM messages and best-in-class technology for public-private signing and encryption key pairs.” Best of all, BBM Protected easily integrates with standard BBM which means that you’ll be able to use it to message all BBM users without switching to a separate app.
Separately, BlackBerry enterprise unit president John Sims tells Re/code that BlackBerry is working on a way to use BBM as a way to help customers in emerging markets transfer money to one another.
Anyway you slice it, then, it looks like BlackBerry is being very creative when it comes to figuring out ways to make money from BBM. BlackBerry’s full press release announcing BBM Protected follows below.

BlackBerry to Launch eBBM Suite for Enterprise CustomersFirst Solution, BBM Protected, will Provide Secure, Enterprise-Class Mobile Messaging for Regulated IndustriesMobile World Congress 2014, Barcelona – BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ: BBRY; TSX: BB), a global leader in mobile communications, today announced the eBBM™ Suite, a new family of products and services that work with BlackBerry® smartphones and the BlackBerry enterprise solution, BES and BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10, to provide enterprise-class mobile messaging that brings together the core strengths of BBM with features and capabilities aimed at enterprises.
BBM Protected will be the first solution offered in the new eBBM Suite, bringing regulated industries the most secure and reliable real-time mobile messaging in the industry. BBM Protected will provide an unrivalled level of trust in enterprise messaging with end-to-end encryption of messages that uses symmetric encryption keys for BBM messages and best-in-class technology for public-private signing and encryption key pairs.
Employees will be able to use a single well-known, well-loved app to connect with internal colleagues under this regulated level of enhanced security, while remaining free to message BBM contacts outside the organization simply and easily with the privacy, control and security that is already inherent in BBM. For IT administrators and infrastructure managers, BBM Protected will work across BlackBerry 10 and BlackBerry® OS smartphones in regulated mode with no OS upgrades required.
BlackBerry’s end-to-end security model is built on a foundation of secure hardware interacting with secure software. Security is reinforced at every level of the device from CPU to boot ROM, to OS and file system, and applications. The root of trust that BlackBerry builds for its customers remains unbroken throughout the chain, and is unlike other security models that rely on the interaction of components from multiple vendors.
“BBM has always been an important tool for business users who want real-time messaging that is reliable, trusted and puts control of contacts and personal information in users’ hands,” said John Sims, President, Global Enterprise Solutions at BlackBerry. “With the introduction of the eBBM Suite and BBM Protected, we will provide regulated industries and security-conscious organizations with a powerful and best in class instant messaging solution.”
BlackBerry remains committed to providing end-to-end solutions that are secure, reliable and benefit the productivity and collaboration of enterprise customers. “Regulated industries need an option for mobile messaging that maintains compliance, but still gives employees the freedom to be productive with peers outside of the organization. BBM running on BlackBerry smartphones in a BES environment is unrivalled in meeting this need,” said John Sims.
BBM continues to be a top choice for business users who turn to mobile messaging to enhance their productivity and collaboration through BBM Voice calling, one-to-one chats, multi-person chats, or BBM Groups, which offers groups of up to 50 people the ability to chat, share calendars, lists and images. BlackBerry users can use BBM for video calls, to share screens and to create private BBM Channels for one-to-many collaboration and sharing.
Pricing and Availability
BBM Protected as part of the eBBM Suite is expected to launch this summer and will be available to enterprise customers through a monthly per-user fee.

BlackBerry Messenger for Android and iOS will soon be getting an update that will introduce BBM Voice and BBM Channels, Times of India reports. Introducing free calls on the app will put BBM in direct competition with apps like Viber.

BlackBerry had introduced BBM Voice in July last year on devices running OS 5 and upwards. The feature essentially lets you talk or send voice messages to any of your BBM contacts over Wi-Fi. BBM Channels, which was launched in November last year, is a forum wherein a channel owner can post messages, share pictures and post animated GIFs, start discussions, chat directly with subscribers, and also integrate live chat to schedule chat hours for one on one chat sessions. One will be able to join or opt out of a channel as per their wish, and also allow other users to join one’s own channel.

There is no set date of release and all BlackBerry executives mentioned was that the features would be launched in the “coming weeks.”

]]>Article
BlackBerry Messenger for Android and iOS will soon be getting an update that will introduce BBM Voice and BBM Channels, Times of Indiareports. Introducing free calls on the app will put BBM in direct competition with apps like Viber. BlackBerry had introduced BBM Voice in July last year on devices running OS 5 and upwards. The feature essentially lets you talk or send voice messages to any of your BBM contacts over Wi-Fi. BBM Channels, which was launched in November last year, is a forum wherein a channel owner can post messages, share pictures and post animated GIFs, start discussions, chat directly with subscribers, and also integrate live chat to schedule chat hours for one on one chat sessions. One will be able to join or opt out of a channel as per their wish, and also allow other users to join one’s own channel.
There is no set date of release and all BlackBerry executives mentioned was that the features would be launched in the “coming weeks.”]]>http://www.bgr.in/news/blackberry-says-windows-phone-too-small-for-bbm-launch/
Mon, 20 Jan 2014 07:57:37 +0000Sambit Satpathy | ANIhttp://www.bgr.in/?p=292893

BlackBerry has reportedly said that the Windows Phone is “too small” for the smartphone company’s messaging service (BBM) to be brought to. BlackBerry’s David Proulx explained that the nonexistence of a BBM application for Windows Phone is “entirely market driven,” adding that the decision is not a “religious thing,” but is merely a choice made on the back of consumer demand.

According to Tech Crunch, the only instance for Windows Phone owners to have BBM on their device is when their device reaches larger scale as pointed by Proulx that as other platforms emerge, BlackBerry would execute its BBM expansion plans on those platforms as well.

]]>Article
BlackBerry has reportedly said that the Windows Phone is “too small” for the smartphone company’s messaging service (BBM) to be brought to. BlackBerry’s David Proulx explained that the nonexistence of a BBM application for Windows Phone is “entirely market driven,” adding that the decision is not a “religious thing,” but is merely a choice made on the back of consumer demand. According toTech Crunch, the only instance for Windows Phone owners to have BBM on their device is when their device reaches larger scale as pointed by Proulx that as other platforms emerge, BlackBerry would execute its BBM expansion plans on those platforms as well.
The sinking smartphone manufacturer recently made its once-popular and exclusive BBM service to third party Android and iOS devices, and the launch had been a phenomenal success crossing 10 million downloads within 24 hours.]]>http://www.bgr.in/news/blackberry-messenger-to-come-preloaded-on-the-lg-g-pro-lite-smartphone/
Thu, 19 Dec 2013 05:51:57 +0000Sambit Satpathy | Jacob Siegalhttp://www.bgr.in/?p=290176

BBM’s success on the iOS App Store was immediate and noteworthy, but the app hasn’t yet caught fire on Google Play to quite the same degree. By preloading LG devices with BBM, BlackBerry has a chance to sway Android users its way before they even have to chance to discover the other popular chat apps on the market. The full press release follows below.

The G Pro Lite Will Be the First LG Device to Offer BBM Out-of-the-box

WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired - Dec. 18, 2013) – BBM(TM) will soon come preinstalled on the LG G Pro Lite from LG Electronics Inc. in markets around the world. BlackBerry(R) (NASDAQ:BBRY)(TSX:BB) today announced a bundling agreement with LG Electronics involving both standard and virtual preloading (using the LG App Manager) and confirmed that BBM will also continue to be available as a free download from Android app stores, including Google Play(TM).

“BBM is widely used throughout the Middle East, Africa and Indonesia where smartphone users tend to engage heavily in social networking,” said Kevin Shin, Vice President of Marketing for Asia, the Middle East and CIS countries of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The LG G Pro Lite offers an optimized BBM experience with its large, high quality display and embedded Stylus Pen.”

“People across the globe are using BBM to connect with each other and the enthusiasm has been phenomenal,” said Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President for BBM at BlackBerry. “We’re extremely pleased that LG Electronics will help bring their customers a more seamless experience with BBM by preloading the app, starting with the G Pro Lite in key markets.”

BBM is a premier mobile communication service that gives customers privacy, control and immediacy as they chat with their contacts – either one-to-one, in multiple chats or as part of a BBM Group. BBM’s Delivered and Read statuses, as well as message-in-progress notices, keep people engaged and active in their conversations.

BBM lets users share files such as photos and voice notes, as well as update their profile and status with ease. Up to 30 people can connect as a BBM Group to chat and share photos, calendars and other files or documents.

Every BBM user has a unique PIN tied to their BlackBerry ID that helps maintains their privacy. Users never have to give out their phone number or email address to begin chatting with a new or casual contact.

The BBM experience will continue to evolve for Android and iPhone(R) users in the coming months, with updates that will include support for BBM Channels, a new service that connects BBM users to communities of shared interests in a very engaging and intimate manner, as well as support for BBM Voice calling and BBM Video calling.

]]>Article
Last month, BlackBerry inked a deal with several small-name Android vendors that would see BBM preloaded on select devices. And now, viaCrackBerry, we learn that BlackBerry has scored its biggest win with BBM yet, as LG has agreed to preload the messaging service on the recently launched G Pro Lite budget smartphones.
BBM’s success on the iOS App Store was immediate and noteworthy, but the app hasn’t yet caught fire on Google Play to quite the same degree. By preloading LG devices with BBM, BlackBerry has a chance to sway Android users its way before they even have to chance to discover the other popular chat apps on the market. The full press release follows below.

The G Pro Lite Will Be the First LG Device to Offer BBM Out-of-the-box
WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired - Dec. 18, 2013) – BBM(TM) will soon come preinstalled on the LG G Pro Lite from LG Electronics Inc. in markets around the world. BlackBerry(R) (NASDAQ:BBRY)(TSX:BB) today announced a bundling agreement with LG Electronics involving both standard and virtual preloading (using the LG App Manager) and confirmed that BBM will also continue to be available as a free download from Android app stores, including Google Play(TM).
“BBM is widely used throughout the Middle East, Africa and Indonesia where smartphone users tend to engage heavily in social networking,” said Kevin Shin, Vice President of Marketing for Asia, the Middle East and CIS countries of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The LG G Pro Lite offers an optimized BBM experience with its large, high quality display and embedded Stylus Pen.”
“People across the globe are using BBM to connect with each other and the enthusiasm has been phenomenal,” said Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President for BBM at BlackBerry. “We’re extremely pleased that LG Electronics will help bring their customers a more seamless experience with BBM by preloading the app, starting with the G Pro Lite in key markets.”
BBM is a premier mobile communication service that gives customers privacy, control and immediacy as they chat with their contacts – either one-to-one, in multiple chats or as part of a BBM Group. BBM’s Delivered and Read statuses, as well as message-in-progress notices, keep people engaged and active in their conversations.
BBM lets users share files such as photos and voice notes, as well as update their profile and status with ease. Up to 30 people can connect as a BBM Group to chat and share photos, calendars and other files or documents.
Every BBM user has a unique PIN tied to their BlackBerry ID that helps maintains their privacy. Users never have to give out their phone number or email address to begin chatting with a new or casual contact.
The BBM experience will continue to evolve for Android and iPhone(R) users in the coming months, with updates that will include support for BBM Channels, a new service that connects BBM users to communities of shared interests in a very engaging and intimate manner, as well as support for BBM Voice calling and BBM Video calling.

BlackBerry has today announced the release of BBM Channels in beta phase for users on BB OS 5 and above through BlackBerry World. The company is rolling out the Channel service in the new version of BBM, which will become available for download later today. BlackBerry has also mentioned that it will release BBM Channels for iPhones and Android devices in the coming months.

BBM Channel was launched as a community based forum for active, real conversations between people, brands and communities. On BBM Channel, a channel owner can post messages, share pictures and post animated GIFs, start discussions, chat directly with subscribers, and also integrate live chat to schedule chat hours for one on one chat sessions. One will be able to join or opt out of a channel as per their wish, and also allow other users to join one’s own channel.

]]>ArticleBlackBerry has today announced the release of BBM Channels in beta phase for users on BB OS 5 and above through BlackBerry World. The company is rolling out the Channel service in the new version of BBM, which will become available for download later today. BlackBerry has also mentioned that it will release BBM Channels for iPhones and Android devices in the coming months. BBM Channel was launched as a community based forum for active, real conversations between people, brands and communities. On BBM Channel, a channel owner can post messages, share pictures and post animated GIFs, start discussions, chat directly with subscribers, and also integrate live chat to schedule chat hours for one on one chat sessions. One will be able to join or opt out of a channel as per their wish, and also allow other users to join one’s own channel.
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